Thursday, February 17, 2000
Mason chili cook-off heated
Officials dishing dirt to aid schools
BY KEVIN ALDRIDGE
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MASON — John McCurley may be mayor here, but this Friday he wants to be king for a day.
Mr. McCurley will be one of four local leaders testing their culinary skills at the city's first Great Chili Cook-Off. Joining him in the competition will be Mason City Schools Superintendent Kevin Bright, Mason Fire Chief Billy Goldfeder and Deerfield Township Fire Chief William Kramer.
The prize: a Golden Ladle trophy, the title “Chili King” and best of all, bragging rights. Competitors have already begun to stir the pot, so to speak.
“I think I'm a lock to receive the Golden Ladle,” said Mr. McCurley. “I've got some special ingredients I'm whipping up, and I think my chili is going to be a big hit.”
The event will run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Mason High School commons. Tickets are $6 for adults, $4 for children 5-10 and free for children under 5.
Proceeds will benefit the Fine Arts Council, a group that supports and promotes the performing and visual arts in Mason City Schools.
While the chili will be piping hot, the competition among the celebrity chefs is almost guaranteed to be hotter.
“I don't even know why this is being called a contest,” said Chief Goldfeder. “You're talking about a New Yorker, who obviously knows what good food is, going up against a bunch of Cincinnatians who don't have a clue.”
“And what is Cincinnati famous for? New York-style hotdogs with Wisconsin cheese,” he said with a chuckle.
But Chief Kramer, who claims to have trained under some of Cincinnati's most renowned firehouse chefs, said he is unfazed by his competitors' bravado.
“I'm coming into Friday's competition completely undaunted and fearless,” said Chief Kramer. “Mayor McCurley, who maybe has been in a Skyline Chili a time or two, and Chief Goldfeder, who used to live on some two-bit farmland in Florida before he came to Mason, don't stand a chance against my special recipe.”
Diners will be able to choose from four kinds of chili — white chicken, Texas, black bean or chili con carne. And after guests have taste-tested the chefs' best, they can vote on their favorite.
Besides chili, peanut butter sandwiches, salads, desserts and beverages will be available.
Live entertainment will include school bands from the area.
Information: 398-0474.
Search on for stadium solutions
Commissioners learning costly lessons
Debacle could delay other projects
Lessons will be put to use on Reds park
County signs up public relations support
Let's recruit Mike Brown for our team
Albright vows help to Blue Ash dad
Cities push change in school funds
Police, media mobilize for kids
Organ donation opinions diverse
Rivers on the rise, but not too much
Supreme Court asked to look at public defender pay
Queen City's moments to shine reflected in book
Writer lives his love story
Some pols dismiss what's best for area
Birds will fly up and be counted
GET TO IT
Here's how to join the bird count
Net increases isolation, study asserts
Georges Haidon cooks as a signer of books
Agency may revoke permit for chickens
Charter school shut for 3rd day
City likes development ideas
Downtown falcon lacks mate
Ex-guard step ahead of police
Fatal hit-skip remains mystery
Flack concert to promote breast cancer awareness
Ignorance of gun law no excuse
Lawsuit against village tossed
Mason chili cook-off heated
Mayor's city jail talk raises fuss
Park plans bandied about
Site prepared for Silverton CVS
Strip club site taken
TRISTATE DIGEST
